Lady Lavinia's frame of mind when she awoke next morning was hardly befitting one who contemplated an elopement. A weight seemed to rest on her chest, hopeless misery was gathered about her head. She could not bring herself to drink her chocolate, and, feeling that inaction was the worst of all, she very soon crawled out of bed and allowed her maid to dress her. Then she went with dragging steps to her boudoir, wondering all the time where Richard was and what he was doing. She seated herself at her window and looked out on to the square, biting the edge of her handkerchief in the effort to keep back her tears.
Richard was in a no more cheerful mood. He, too, left his chocolate untouched, and went presently down to the breakfast table and looked at the red sirloin with a feeling of acute nausea. He managed to drink a cup of coffee, and immediately afterwards left the room and made his way to his wife's boudoir. He told himself he was acting weakly, and had far better avoid her, but in the end he gave way to his longing to see her, and knocked on one white panel.
Lavinia's heart leapt. How well she knew that knock!
"Come in!" she called, and tried to compose her features.
Richard entered and shut the door behind him.
"Oh-oh-good-morning!" she smiled. "You-wanted to speak with me-Dick?"
"I-yes-that is-er-have you the Carlyles' invitation?"
It was, perhaps, an unlucky excuse. Lavinia turned away and fought against her tears.
"I-I believe-'tis in my-escritoire," she managed to say. "I-I will look for it."
She rose and unlocked the bureau, standing with her back to him.
"'Tis no matter," stammered Carstares. "I-only-'twas but that I could not find it. Pray do not disturb yourself!"
"Oh-not-at all," she answered, scattering a handful of letters before her. "Yes-here 'tis." She came up to him with the note in her hand, extending it.
Carstares looked down at the golden head, and at the little face with its eyes cast down, and red mouth set so wistfully. Heavens, how could he bear to live without her! Mechanically he took the letter.
Lavinia turned away, and as she stepped from him something snapped in Richard's brain. The luckless invitation was flung down.
"No, by God you shall not!" he cried suddenly.
Lavinia stopped, trembling.
"Oh-oh, what do you mean?" she fluttered.
The mists were gone from his mind now, everything was clear. Lavinia should not elope with Lovelace. In two strides he was at her side, had caught her by the shoulders and swung her to face him.
"You shall not leave me! Do you understand? I cannot live without you!"